Additional Science Policy Issues

In addition to the science policy issues actively pursued by FASEB’s Science Policy Committee and its subcommittees, FASEB also monitors a variety of topics of interest to the scientific community.

Vaccines

FASEB strongly supports the use of immunizations to protect populations against vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines prevent illness, disability, or death from infectious diseases such as whooping cough, meningitis, and measles.

Biosecurity

FASEB affirms that research on dangerous substances must be carefully conducted. At the same time, we recognize that scientific advances in this area have reduced mortality and improved quality of life. Many of these discoveries have resulted from fundamental research. Therefore, FASEB advocates for a thoughtful and balanced approach to biosecurity oversight for research that: (1) protects the public from harmful misuse of biological research and (2) enables scientists to safely conduct the studies that will help them better understand the effects of pathogens and toxins and reduce their threat to public health.

Evolution Education

Scientists, educators, and informed citizens can play a critical role in ensuring that students receive a high quality science education. The resources below provide background information and talking points to help you advocate for the importance of teaching evolution and to oppose the introduction of non-scientific beliefs, such as intelligent design, in science classes.

Tips for Communicating about Evolution

International Science

FASEB society members hail from every continent. The Federation advances the interests of all biomedical scientists and engineers by developing and advocating for policies that benefit this global research community. FASEB is an ardent proponent of federal funding for science in the United States. This investment provides research grants and training opportunities in the United States and abroad. It also builds scientific capacity and fosters research collaborations. U.S. science funding has also stimulated other nations to expand support for research and development, benefiting all scientists and the research enterprise as a whole.

Equivalents of FASEB outside of the US

Scientific Publication and Intellectual Property

FASEB monitors issues related to the publication and ownership of science. The communication of research is vital to the scientific process. In turn, intellectual property practices influence the business of doing science. Both have an enormous impact on the field.

Stem Cells

Embryonic stems cells are the gold standard of stem cell research. Their capacity for self-renewal and potential to develop into any of the more than 200 types of cells in the human body makes them invaluable to understanding both normal development and medical conditions that arise when this process is disrupted. Research on embryonic stem cells has already provided important insights into a host of diseases and conditions, including diabetes, spinal cord injury, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.